This
day aims to highlight the importance of kidneys. Kidney stones are a common
kidney disease which is one of the most painful medical conditions. This day
aims to highlight the importance of kidneys to overall health. It also tries to
spread information about different kidney diseases and how to prevent these.
Kidney stones are a painful condition. These stones are hard deposits that form
inside the kidneys.
10 Habits That Can Harm Your
Kidneys
1. Not drinking enough water
2. Being deficient in vitamins
3. Trying to hold it in when you want
to pee
4. Consuming too much salt
5. Having sweets in excess
6. Not exercising regularly
7. Untimely consumption of medicines
8. Not monitoring your blood pressure
regularly
9. Binge drinking and smoking
10. Consuming an excess of proteins
A
kidney stone can cause severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs. Other
symptoms of kidney stones may include pain during urination, nausea, vomiting,
fever, chills, urination more than usual and persistent need to urinate.
You
can avoid kidney stones with right diet. Drinking enough water is considered as
the best practice to keep your kidneys healthy. The more liquid in your diet,
the lesser is the risk of developing kidney stones and other kidney diseases.
World
Kidney Day is an annual event. On every second Thursday in the month of March,
the World Kidney Day is celebrated.
Empowerment
of patients, educational campaigns, proper training for medical services and
encouraging people to adapt to a healthier lifestyle to reduce the chances of
being affected by a kidney disease are some of the sectors World Kidney Day
focuses on.
Significance
Kidney
diseases are non-communicable and currently affect 850 million people across
the world.
Do’s and don’ts
1.
What to eat-
Add
more citrus to your diet: Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon
or pineapple are can help you reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. You
can consume either fruit or fruit juice.
Add
more calcium to your diet: Good levels of calcium can also help you prevent the
formation of kidney stones. Add more dairy to your diet or other sources of
calcium legumes, dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds. Also, add vitamin D to
your diet for better calcium absorption.
Moderate
amount of plant-based protein: It is advised to add plant-based protein to your
diet in moderation. Whereas, animal-based protein should be strictly avoided.
Avoid
consuming too much salt.
It
is advised not to eat much animal-based protein in moderation.
Signs and symptoms
Loss
of blood flow to the kidney can make increased risk of kidney failure. Heart
attack, heart disease, scarring of liver, dehydration, an allergic reaction, a
severe infection or a severe burn can result in loss of blood flow the kidneys.
Also, high blood pressure and some anti-inflammatory medications may limit
blood flow to the kidneys.
Following are other Causes of
Kidney Failure
Kidney stones
Uncontrolled diabetes
Lupus
Damage to nerves that control bladder
Enlarged prostate
Blood clots within urinary tract
Drug and alcohol abuse
Chemotherapy drugs
Infection
Overload of toxins from heave metals
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney
Failure
Decrease
urine output and fluid retention which leads to swelling in limbs are a few of
the early signs of kidney failure. Also, shortness of breath is considered to
be a symptom of kidney failure.
Reduced amount of urine
Consistent nausea
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Swelling in legs, ankle and feet (this is a
result of fluid retention caused by kidneys being unable to eliminate liquid
waste)
Dialysis and kidney transplant are the two treatment available for kidney failure.